Persea borbonia

Common Name(s):

Redbay

Categories:

Native Plants, Shrubs, Trees

Comment:

The bark of the Persea borbonia is reddish brown with irregular furrows that separate flat-topped ridges. The wood, which takes a beautiful polish, is used for fine cabinetwork and also for lumber. The spicy leaves can be used to flavor soups and meats. This plant is highly salt tolerant

Regions: Coastal Plains

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom: Spring Fruit/Seed/Nut: Fall

Wildlife Value: The Redbay is moderately resistant to deer damage. It provides winter cover. It is a host plant for the Palamedes Swallowtail. The foilage is browsed by white-tailed deer and fruts are eaten by songbirds, wild turkeys, quails, foxes, raccoons, opossums and black bear.

Height:

15-40 ft.

Flower:

In early summer, small, yellow-green groups of flowers mature in clusters on the Redbay tree. This tree produces a dark blue spherical fruit.

Zones:

7-9

Habit:

Evergreen

Site:

The Redbay will do well in full sun to partial shade in a range of soil types.

Texture:

Medium

Form:

Oval to rounded

Exposure:

Full sun, part shade, shade

Fruit:

Dark blue spherical

Width:

10-20 ft.

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Leaf:

The Redbay has 2-4 in. alternate, simple leaves. They have a smooth margin and produce a spicy odor when crushed. A few yellow or red leaves drop during the season.